RGB LED Strip Controller

How I Made Smart RGB LED Strip Controller using ESP32-C3 / ESP8685 (12V RGB Strip 5 Meter)

By Prashant Sharma – RoboCircuits

Hello friends!

In this post, I will show you how I make an RGB LED Strip Controller using the ESP32-C3 or ESP8685 chip. This project I made for controlling a 12V RGB LED strip of 5 meters length using WiFi. You can control colours from your mobile, make effects, and also add to your smart home.

I have also uploaded the full video on my YouTube channel. You can watch and understand everything in detail.

Watch here:

Why I Made This

So I had an old RGB LED strip lying at home, it was 12 volts and 5 meters long. I was thinking of making it smart so that I can control it from my phone or maybe give voice commands also in the future.

Also, I wanted to use the ESP32-C3 chip because it’s cheap and small. You can also use ESP8685 if you have that – it will also work the same.

Parts I Used

ESP32-C3 / ESP8685 x 1

12V RGB LED Strip (5m) x1

IRFZ44N MOSFET x 3

12V Adapter (2A+) x 1

220Ω resistor x 3

PCB x 1

Circuit Idea (Simple Explanation)

ESP32 gives a PWM signal to MOSFETs

Each MOSFET control R, G, B line of the strip

Common +12V from adapter is given to LED strip

ESP is powered by 3.3V (you can use LDO like AMS1117).

PCB Part

PCB is ordered from JLCPCB.com. They give high-quality PCBs for a very cheap price. I also ordered a stencil for the same. You can get coupons via JLCPCB adding an affiliate link:https://jlcpcb.com/?from=RBC.

Coding Part

I used Arduino IDE for fast testing. ESP32 has LEDC for PWM, so I used that for brightness control.

I also made a small web page in ESP32, so that I can control colours from a browser without any app. You can make a Flutter app or use Blynk if you want.

Testing and Result

After connecting everything properly, I give 12V from the adapter, open the IP in a browser, and change the colours. The LED strip responds very nicely. Smooth fading and no flicker. I also made a few effects like rainbow, fade in fade out.

Things You Can Improve

Add Bluetooth for local control

Add an IR sensor for the remote control

Connect to Alexa or Google using ESPHome or MQTT

Make music reactive using the mic module

Final Words

This project is very simple and useful. You can make for your home, shop, or gift someone also. It’s very cheap and easy to build.

If you liked the project, please like and subscribe my channel “Robocircuits” 🙏

Let me know if you make this project or want any help. I will try to help everyone.

Connect With Me

YouTube: Robocircuits

Website: RoboCircuits.com

Instagram: @robocircuits